Ukraine Celebrates Europe Day as ‘Inseparable Part’ of European Family

On Saturday, May 9, Ukraine celebrated Europe Day alongside the European Union, with President Volodymyr Zelensky declaring the nation an “inseparable part of the European family”. The head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov added that Ukraine currently embodies the “true Europe” both territorially and ideologically by defending continental values against tyranny. The holiday, established by presidential decree in 2023, coincides with a fragile three-day humanitarian ceasefire intended to facilitate a major prisoner exchange. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The European and Ukrainian flags are displayed in front of the Altiero-Spinelli building, the European Parliament in Brussels, to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the European Quarter of Brussels on February 24, 2025. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Europe Day on Saturday, May 9, stating that Ukraine’s celebration is not merely symbolic but rooted in the reality of its role as a defender of the continent. “Ukraine celebrates it not formally or like a poster, but truly knowing that we are already an inseparable part of the European family,” Zelensky stated in a message on Facebook. He emphasized that by protecting Ukrainian independence, the nation is simultaneously securing the future of Europe. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Zelensky noted that the support from European nations since the start of the full-scale invasion has been a “conscious choice” to stand with those fighting for security and peace against tyranny. “We will certainly protect our state, our people, and our right to independently choose our future—a future in Europe,” he added. Kyrylo Budanov , head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Ukraine currently personifies the essence of Europe. “Ukraine today embodies the true Europe – both territorially and, most importantly, ideologically,” Budanov wrote on Telegram. He noted that the struggle involves protecting universal values including freedom, respect, and the right to one’s own identity. Europe Day is celebrated in Ukraine on May 9, aligning the country with the tradition of the European Union. Other Topics of Interest Unprecedented Wartime Decree: Kyiv Permits Moscow’s Victory Day Parade Zelensky’s Red Square decree shows how the war’s symbolism has shifted: Moscow’s most sacred military spectacle now depends not on Kremlin strength, but on Ukrainian restraint and US mediation. The date was established by a 2023 presidential decree to strengthen European identity and unity among the peoples of the continent. Previously, Ukraine had marked the occasion on the third Saturday of May. The celebrations take place against the backdrop of a fragile security environment. Kyiv and Moscow have entered a planned humanitarian pause from May 9 to May 11 to facilitate a large-scale exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. As part of this diplomatic arrangement, Zelensky signed a decree designating Moscow’s Red Square as off-limits for Ukrainian weaponry during Saturday’s Victory Day parade. The president reiterated that humanitarian goals remain the priority, stating that “Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian POWs”.